High-fkequency ignition system



Mar. 27, 1923. 1,450,110.`

C. M. PAGE.l

HIGH FREQUENCY IGNITION SYSTEM.

FILED JUNE I, 1920. 2 SHEE-'SHEET l.

l.; II 26 26 f Il *26 44 [III` f if@ ICH @y Mar. 27, 1923.

C. M. PAGE. HIGH FREQUENCYIGNITION SYSTEM. FILED JUNE l. |920.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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26 "Eli 2621 Patented Mar. 27, 1923.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CARL M. PAGE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO GEORGE FABYAN, DE (:`rE`.1\`l'IE|VA,4 l

ILLINOIS.

HIGH-FREQUENCY IGNITION SYSTEM.

Application led .Tune 1, 1920. Serial No. 385,448.

To all w/Lom t mag/concern:

Be it known that I', CARL M. PAGE, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the' city of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in a High- Frequency Ignition System; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had tothe accompanying drawings, and to the numerals of reference marked thereon, which form apart of this specication.

This invention relates to an improved high frequency ignition system and provides means whereby the improved high frequency oscillating current ignition system shown and described in mycopending application SerialNo. 381,795 filed May 17, 1920, may be adapted to existing types of internal combustion engines.

On account of the comparatively low grade fuel which is of necessity being used at the present time, it is especially desirable that means be provided for eiiiciently igniting mixtures thereof in the combustion chambers vof internal combustion engines. Also, in view of the increasing scarcity of suitable fuel, it is desirable that the fuel be utilized in such a manner as to obtain a maximum energy therefrom. Former elec-v trical ignition systems have utilized a current having a frequency of from a few hundred to a few thousand cycles per second, while the ignition system proposed by this invention utilizes an oscillating current of extremely high frequency which may reach a maximum of several million cycles per second and which produces an improved spark which is disruptive in character and which adds greatly to the efficiency of the engine on account ofthe complete ignition of fuel mixture which results therefrom. v

It is an object of this invention to provide an ignition device containing concentrated inductance and capacity adapted to be connected in an ignition system to so produce an oscillating current of high frequency and a disruptive spark therein.

It is another object of this invention to provide an ignition device adapted to control the large quantities of energy necess ary for theJ complete ignition of heavy liquid fuels without damage to the electrodes thereof.

.It is another object of this invention to provide an improved device adapted to bel connected in an ignition system for producing a high frequency oscillating current and a disruptive spark.

It isfurther an object of this invention to provide a device whereby atomized fuel may be introduced into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine and ignited by a spark discharge effected by an oscillating current of high frequency.

It is an important object of thisinvention to provide a device adapted to be applied to existing types of internal combustion engines for producing4 an oscillating high frequency current yand a disruptive spark in the ignition systems thereof..

Other and further important objects of this invention will be apparent from the dis-` closures in the specification and the accompanying drawings.

The invention (in a preferred form) is shown in the drawings and hereinafter more fully described.

Cn the drawings: n

Figure l is a vcentral vertical sectionI through an improved igniting device embodying the principles ofthis invention.

Figure 2 is a central vertical section through another form of igniting device.

AFigure 3 is a central vertical section` through an igniting device of another form.

Figure 4 is a central vertical section f through an igniting device of the type shown in Figure 3, showing a different arrangement of concentrated inductance `and capacity. i

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view showing the igniting device of the type shown in Figure 'l as used in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine.

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic View showing an igniting device of the type shown in Fig ures 2, 3 and 4 as used in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine.

As shown on the drawings:

The form of device shown in Figure is adapted to be engaged in a threaded aperture in the wall 1 of the coinbustion chamber of an internal combustion engine and comprises a hollow sleeve 2, which is provided withayfiange 3 adapted to engage the outside of said casing 1, a chamber 4 in the lower portion thereof, and an internal peripheral flange 5, which is adapted to sup port an enlarged portion of a tubular insulator 6, which may be of orcelain, mica or other suitable material. baid insulator 6 is securedi-iriiposition inside the sleeve 2 by means of a packing nut 7, which is engaged in threads inthe upper portion of the tubularvcasing 2. The. insulator 6 is provided with anfaxial apertureA and'engaged in said aperture is ametallic electrode 8, which is rovided with an enlargement 9 in the cham- Eer4 adjacent the inner end oit said electrode 6,"andf'a spirally formed portion 1Q, which terminatesvin a'horizo'ntal portion 11, which is positioned so that the endv thereof is opposite'ithe'end of a second electrode- 12, which Ais'securedl in the lower end of the tubular casing 2f and connected with ground thi-hugh the casing'l. suitable binding' nut 13: isiengaged on a threaded portion 14 ot the electrode-'8in order that an electrical conductor may bel connected'thereto.

'Figure 5 showsfa circuit whereby the de viceshown in Figure 4his adapted for use aintheignition system of an internal combustion engine in order to produce a high frequency'osci'llating current therein and to produceA a: disruptive spark discharge across the vgap between the electrodes 11 andl 1'2. .Said` circuit comprises a source of electrical ener y 15 which may comprise a storage batteryor an electric machine and one termin'al' of which' is grounded at G7, the other terminal thereof being connected through a switch 16 tok one flow tension terminalv of 'an induction coil 17; The other terminal ofisaid'iinductioii coil 17 is connected'l by means of a conductor 18 `with comniutator 19, and intermittently through saidv conimuta'tor the circuit i'sj connected toA ground G2. The high tensionterininal of said induction coil 17 isfc'yonnecte'dby means of a conductor 2() to thefcoinrnon point oi" a distributer 21, and `frirnsaid common point of the distributer 21`A` the v`circuit is selectively completed through conductors 2v2 and 23, which are connected toV the terminals ol' the electrodes 8 across the spark gaps between the electrodes`11 and 12Ato ground at G As is aparentfrom the drawings, the device shown 1n1 Figure 1 Acontains certain quantities of concentrated induct-ance and capacity. The inductance is represented by the spiral 1() in the lower end of the electrode 8, while the capacity is provided by the condenser formed by the enlarged portion 9 of the electrode 8, and the inner wall of the chamber 4, which, of course, has a dielectric of air or gas therebetween. The effective capacity of this condenser is considerably enhanced on account of the fact that the pressure inside the chamber atl the time of spark discharge is considerably higher than atmospheric'.

Figure 2 illustrates another form of the device or' this invention whereby concentrated. inductance and capacity in the proper portions maybe introduced into an ignition circuit to cause an `oscillating current of high frequency to `flowv therein. Said device is mounted'on a flange 24, which is adaptedy to be bolted overl an aperture in the wall 25 of the combustion chamber ot an internal combustion engine.` Said.' flange 24 is provided with a pair of oppositely positioned apertures each of which is reduced at its inner portion to receive an inslilator 26 'of' porcelain or other suitable insulating material engaged" therethrougli having an enlarged portion seated on `the outer side of said restricted portion and secured thereony by a packing nut 26?. The insulators 26 are provided with axial apertures through which are engaged electrodes 27 and 28, which protrudefrorn the inner and outer ends of the insulator. Thev outer ends of said electrodes are provided with terminals adapted to have electrical'y conductors connected thereto; Securedtothe inner ends of said electrodes 27 and' 2 8 are separated horizontal plates 29 and 30, which are enclosed by a porcelain cupfl, which `is provided with a plurality of apertures 32, whereby the internal and externaly pressure on the cup are equalized. The lowerend of the electrode 28 protrudes through the bottom of the cup 31 andisformed into an helix 33, which is preferably/enclosed in' insulating inaterialgslwlch' as a block or porcelain 34, andthe outer endofwhicl'l extends horizontally Jfrom said*` porcelain block. rl`he electrode 271 extends downwardly through thecup 311 andfis bent horizontally so that the end thereof i'sspaced from and positioned opposite theend of! said horizontal portion 35,' forming a spark gap therebetween.n It isthus apparent that the device shown 1n Figure 2 also provides concentrated inductanceA and capacity, the:

inductance being providedA by the helix 33, while the separated plates 29 and 301with the dielectric of high pressure airl` orv gas.-

therebetween lform a condenser-alfordingthe necessary concentrated l capacity inv the" cir cuit.

lill)- Figure 3 illustrates a modification ofa device of the type shown in Figure 2, 1n

y, which the necessary concentrated capacity is furnished by a condenser 36, which is enclosed in a suitable container 37 and which is connected between the electrodes 27 and 28 at the outer ends thereof. The necessary concentrated inductance is provided in the device shown in Figure 3 by a helix 38, which is formed in the electrode 28 inside the insulator 26. A suitable spark gap is formed between the horizontal portions 39 and 40 of the inner ends of the electrodes 27 and 28.

The device illustrated in Figure 4 shows another arrangement of concentrated inductance and capacity. In this case a container 4l contains condensers 42 and 43 and inductance 44 connected between the outer ends of the electrodes 27 and 28 as shown. The spark gap in this case is provided between the inner horizontal portions 39 and 40 of the electrodes 27 and 28.

As shown in Figure 4, one of the electrodes as 28 may be of tubular construction whereby liquid fuel may be introduced through the passage therein from fuel pumping means outside the engine, connection with the outer end of said electrode being made with an insulating coupling of any well-known type. It is preferable of course, when this construction is used, to form an atomizing nozzle at the inner end 56 of the passage 55. This construction provides convenient means whereby the fuel to be ignited is sprayed directly into the path of spark discharge and since said discharge is of a disruptive character there is no danger of the electrodes becoming fouled.

Figure 6 shows a circuit whereby the ignition devices shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4 are adapted for use in internal combustion engines. Said circuit comprises a source of electrical energy 45, such as a storage battery or an electric machine, one terminal of which is connected through switch 46 with one of the low tension terminals of an induction coil 47. The other low tension terminal of the induction coil 47 is connected by' means of a conductor 48 with a point 49 on a timer 50, and said point 49 is adapted to be connected through the rotating arm of the timer with the central point 5 1 thereof. which in turn is connected vwith the other terminal of the source of electrical energy 45 through conductor 52. The high tension terminal of said induction coil 47 is connected by means of a conductor 53 with the outer end of the electrode 27 and the circuit is completed across the spark gap formed between the horizontal portions 39 and 40 of the electrodes 27 and 28, out through the electrode 28 and the conductor 54 which is connected to the conductor 52, as shown.

On account of the concentrated inductance and capacity which is self-contained in the devices shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the current flowingin the high tension circuit of this system is of an oscillatory character and of extremely high frequency, and the spark discharge produced thereby is disruptive and acts to eihciently ignite the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of the engine.

As will be apparent from the foregoing description, the devices of this invention readily make possible the convenient adaptation of existing types of internal combustion engines for use with a high frequency oscillating current ignition system. The device of this invention may be readily used either in the ordinary types of internal combustion engines or in any of the heavy oil engines as, for example, the semi-Diesel type. Due to the oscillating high frequency current by which spark discharge is produced, it is possible to utilize the large amount of energy necessary for eiiicient ignition in the heavy fuel oil engines. This has been impractical in prior devices due to the rapid destruction of the electrodes by the comparatively low frequency current. On account of the superior ignition provided thereby, the de,

vice of this invention adds greatly to the efciency of any engine wherein a fuel mixture is ignited inthe combustion chamber.

I am aware that numerous details of construction may be varied through a wide range without departing from the principles of this invention, and I therefore do not purpose limiting the patent granted otherwise than necessitated by the prior art.

l claim as my invention:

l. The combination with an internal combustion engine and the ignition system thereof, of insulated electrodes electrically connected with the ignition system and extending into the combustion chamber of the engine, means providing cencentrated inductance associated with the electrodes, and a condenser associated with the electrodes and inside the combustion chamber.

2. The combination with an internal combustion engine and the ignition system thereof, of insulated electrodes electrically connected with the ignition system and extending into the vcombustion chamber of the engine, means providing concentrated inductance associated with the electrodes, and an enclosed condenser inside the combustion chamber and connected with the electrodes.

3. ln an ignitionsystem for an internal combustion engine a circuit including a spark gap and a condenser both located within the combustion chamber.

4. The combination with an internal combustion engine and the ignition system thereot', of a pair of insulated electrodes electrically connected with the ignition system and extending into the combustion chamber of the engine, means providing concentrated in duetanee associated with the electrodes, a condenser, one element` of the condenser being connected to one electrode and the other element thereof to the other electrode, and yan enclosure for said. condenser having holes communicating Awith the interior of the Combustion chamber.

5. In an ignition system for anyinternal combustion engine, a circuit including a spark gap andan indnotanoe, .both yloeated Within 4the Combustion chamber of saidv` engine..

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name in the presence' of" {iWo gnbsoribing Witnesses.

CARL M. PAGE. VVitnesse's:

@www Hlm, SPENCER W. Gines. 

